Georgia Trend magazine has selected Dr. Heidi Popham, president of Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC), as one of the magazine’s most influential leaders for 2026.
This year marks the fifth that Dr. Popham has been profiled in the GEORGIA 500, an “annual publication that spotlights the most powerful leaders across major industries and organizations” who impact Georgia, according to Georgia Trend. Popham was appointed president of GNTC by the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) in 2019; she has worked for GNTC for more than 30 years.
“It is an honor to be included among the GEORGIA 500,” Dr. Popham said. “This recognition reflects the incredible work being done every day at GNTC.”
“I am fortunate to serve alongside an outstanding team of faculty and staff who are passionate about changing lives through education and creating opportunities for our students,” Dr. Popham said. “This honor is one I proudly share with the entire GNTC family.”
“President Popham understands that the success of Georgia Northwestern Technical College is measured by the opportunities it creates for students and the workforce it helps build for Northwest Georgia,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “Her inclusion in Georgia Trend’s GEORGIA 500 for the fifth consecutive year reflects her sustained leadership and commitment to that work. We are proud to see her recognized for the difference she continues to make in her community and across our state.”
Dr. Popham began her educational career at GNTC in 1995 as executive assistant to the president. In 2007, she became the director of Institutional Effectiveness and was soon promoted to vice president of Institutional Effectiveness in 2009. In the latter role, she coordinated the development of GNTC’s strategic plan, program goals, objectives and standards. Dr. Popham also served as GNTC’s accreditation liaison.
In 2016, Dr. Popham was promoted to executive vice president of GNTC. As executive vice president, Dr. Popham was responsible for Academic Affairs, Adult Education, Institutional Effectiveness, Student Affairs and Student Success.
She serves on various boards and advisory committees, which include several of the region’s College and Career Academies. Dr. Popham is a graduate of the TCSG Executive Leadership Academy, Leadership Rome and Leadership Dalton. She is also an active member of the Rome Rotary Club.
Dr. Popham earned a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Covenant College located in Lookout Mountain, a master’s degree from the University of Georgia and a doctoral degree from the University of Georgia.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College delivers high-quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of career pathways, including aviation, business, health, industrial and public service. Over the past year, 14,082 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and achieved a 100 percent placement rate. An additional 4,740 individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start® programs.
